EDMONTON, AB- June 5, 2018- TransCanada and the CWB Welding Foundation have partnered to enhance the profile of both skilled trades and welding opportunities in the Canadian pipeline industry. With many skilled tradespeople needed, the Skills Canada National Competition provides a perfect platform to bring awareness to the needs of industry and engage the next generation of tradespeople.

“This partnership with TransCanada is timely because of the demand for skilled labour in Canada’s pipeline industry,” said Deborah Mates, Executive Director of the CWB Welding Foundation. “Skilled labour and welders are in high demand across the country, and to secure a qualified workforce for current and future projects, partnerships are essential for future growth.”

Both TransCanada and the CWB Welding Foundation will be hosting a partnership luncheon for all secondary and post-secondary welding competitors – 24 in total at the competition and each competitor will receive a monetary award for their hard work to reach this level of competition. Also invited to the partnership luncheon are welding competitor’s parents, coaches, teachers, and mentors.

In addition, TransCanada and the CWB Welding Foundation will be hosting a try-a-trade activity and providing information on skilled trades’ opportunities at their booth during Skills Canada National Competition.

“We are thrilled to be at the 2018 Skills Canada National Competition in Edmonton with our partner, CWB Welding Foundation, talking to youth about careers in the skilled trades,” said Carla Morris, Operations Director for Central Region, TransCanada. “Today’s youth have the potential to be tomorrow’s skilled trades men and women who will build and operate the critical energy infrastructure that Canadians rely on to heat their homes, fuel their transportation and power the technology we use daily.”

When: Tuesday, June 5, 2018, 12:00-1:00 pm

Where: 7515-118 Avenue, Edmonton AB

Room 108/108A

About TransCanada

With more than 65 years' experience, TransCanada is a leader in the responsible development and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure including natural gas and liquids pipelines, power generation and gas storage facilities. TransCanada operates one of the largest natural gas transmission networks that extends more than 91,900 kilometres (57,100 miles), tapping into virtually all major gas supply basins in North America. TransCanada is a leading provider of gas storage and related services with 653 billion cubic feet of storage capacity. A large independent power producer, TransCanada currently owns or has interests in approximately 6,100 megawatts of power generation in Canada and the United States. TransCanada is also the developer and operator of one of North America’s leading liquids pipeline systems that extends approximately 4,900 kilometres (3,000 miles), connecting growing continental oil supplies to key markets and refineries. TransCanada’s common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. Visit TransCanada.com to learn more, or connect with us on social media and 3BL Media.

About the CWB Welding Foundation

The CWB Welding Foundation is a National registered charity that supports the Canadian welding industry by increasing public safety awareness in welding, and addressing the welding skilled trade shortage and mismatch in Canada. Through education based programs and initiatives, we continue to reduce barriers that affect key groups; elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students and educators, indigenous, women, at-risk youth, disabled, and the disadvantaged. We envision a future where all individuals are encouraged and provided the support needed to reach their true potential in a career in welding regardless of identity factors, social and financial status, and lived experiences including gender, age, ethnicity, language, literacy, culture, income, and geographical location.